1851

When&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-vicens/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-navy-veteran-opens-jdog-junk-removal-and-hauling-to-support-other-veterans-2720505" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Antonio Vicens</a> joined the Navy right out of high school, it was mainly out of necessity. But 20 years later, he is grateful for his time in the military because it gave him opportunities for a successful future that he might not have had otherwise. Part of that successful future for Vicens is opening&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/jdogbrands">JDog</a> Junk Removal and Hauling in Camden and Glynn counties.Vicens learned about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jdogbrands.com/own-a-franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-navy-veteran-opens-jdog-junk-removal-and-hauling-to-support-other-veterans-2720505" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">JDog</a>’s veteran-centric business model and couldn’t wait to help fellow veterans find careers after serving their country. It’s a cause Vicens holds close to his heart, and he is looking forward to growing and expanding his location so he can help more veterans in the community. As a business owner, Vicens has already become an active part of the community by helping with organizations and events, such as a 5k race taking place on October 22, with all proceeds going towards the JDog Foundation.1851 Franchise spoke with Vicens to learn more about his franchising journey with JDog Brands.1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us.&nbsp;What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Antonio Vicens:&nbsp;I joined the Navy right out of high school and served 20 years as a submariner. I was in the engineering field on various warships. I even did a tour with deep ocean rescue vehicles. In September 2021, I retired as a senior chief. At the beginning of last year, I started looking into paths to follow after retiring, but I wasn’t hearing back from jobs, so I began applying for entry-level positions. My wife’s cousin posted a job in Jacksonville for JDog. I applied, and when he saw my application, he told me to instead just buy a JDog. That same day I began looking into franchising with JDog Brands.1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?Vicens:&nbsp;I knew the concept of franchising and understood how it worked. I had owned businesses in the past, so I have ownership experience, but it’s completely different when you franchise. You get more support and a great framework to start with.1851: What makes you stand out as business owners in your local community?Vicens:&nbsp;For the most part, I’m the only full-service junk removal company in my territory. I’m also a veteran living in a very veteran-centric community due to the Navy submarine base being located so close. A lot of my customers will say that they hired my team and me because I’m a veteran.I’m also very involved in the community through different organizations and my church. I make it a priority to give back to the community. 10% of any income that my JDog brings in, we donate to different charities and causes throughout the community.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Vicens:&nbsp;I loved the concept of JDog the second I heard about it. I never considered that a veteran-owned concept existed. Personally, I would choose a business owned by a vet for everything if I could. I just really loved the brand and its standards.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Vicens:&nbsp;My goal is to put myself in a position where I’m financially stable and the business is consistently growing. I want the business to grow mainly so I can continue to create careers for veterans.1851:&nbsp;What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?Vicens:&nbsp;I come from very humble beginnings. I joined the military out of necessity, but it became more to me with time. Because of the military, my sister and I could take ourselves out of poverty. After 20 years, I learned so much from the military, and I believe that it prepared me for the next chapter of my life: business ownership. I learned that you can do anything you put your mind to, and I’m looking forward to bringing that mindset to a business.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?Vicens:&nbsp;Be prepared to work hard and always be on call. The failure stories you hear are mostly because people aren’t willing to put in the work. You always need to remember that you are a representative of the brand you choose. So follow the model because it works. It worked before you bought it, and it can help you be successful.

The Great Franchisee | Navy Veteran Opens JDog Junk Removal and Hauling to Support Other Veterans

1851 Franchise

Antonio Vicens opened the junk-removal franchise in Camden and Glynn counties to grow with the brand and meet the junk-removal needs of his community.

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

the-great-franchisee-navy-veteran-opens-jdog-junk-removal-and-hauling-to-support-other-veterans

TruBlue Home Service Ally

NJBiz: Preventing Falls Crucial in Helping Older Adults Maintain Independence

njbiz-preventing-falls-crucial-in-helping-older-adults-maintain-independence

Griswold

How to Protect Seniors From Tax Day Scams This Year

protecting-seniors-from-tax-day-scams

Happy Joe’s Franchising

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Franchise Opportunity: Happy Joe’s Looks To Reignite Its Legacy in Iowa 

happy-joes-franchise-cedar-rapids-iowa-opportunity

Children's Lighthouse

Children’s Lighthouse Wraps Up Q1 With Two New Openings and Continued Industry Recognition

childrens-lighthouse-wraps-up-q1-with-two-new-openings-and-continued-industry-recognition

Why Texas Is the Perfect State To Open a Happy Joe’s Franchise

why-texas-is-the-perfect-state-to-open-a-happy-joes-franchise

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

FAT Brands Becomes First Restaurant Franchise To Accept Bitcoin for Royalty Payments

fat-brands-becomes-first-restaurant-franchise-to-accept-bitcoin-for-royalty-payments

Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs To Retire in 2026 After 36 Years With the Company

yum-brands-ceo-david-gibbs-to-retire-in-2026-after-36-years-with-the-company

Hooters Bankruptcy - Chapter 11 - April 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Files for Bankruptcy, Sells Restaurants to Franchisee Group

hooters-bankruptcy-chapter-11-april-2025

Fly Dance Fitness Expands With First Franchise Location in Georgia

fly-dance-fitness-franchise-expansion

Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

florida-franchisee-reflects-on-success-and-growth-with-sylvan-learning

Military Veteran and Craft Beer Enthusiast to Bring Voodoo Brewing Co. to Toledo, Ohio

military-veteran-and-craft-beer-enthusiast-to-bring-voodoo-brewing-co-to-toledo-ohio

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

franchisee spotlight image with a photo of Tyler Saeli and Right at Home logo

Right at Home Franchisee Delivers Compassionate In-Home Care to Central Virginia

right-at-home-franchisee-delivers-compassionate-in-home-care-to-central-virginia

Franchise Deep Dive: Studio Pilates Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

franchise-deep-dive-studio-pilates-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

Franchise Deep Dive: The UPS Store Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit, and Data

franchise-deep-dive-the-ups-store-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

The Great Franchisee | Navy Veteran Opens JDog Junk Removal and Hauling to Support Other Veterans

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS